ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Manning defensive back John Fulton, one of the top-ranked players in the state, verbally committed to No. 1 Alabama on Saturday at the Under Armour All-American game.

Fulton had narrowed his choices to Alabama and South Carolina.

"It was a blessing to have all the schools," Fulton said after pulling out a camouflage Alabama cap. "I love Alabama."

Fulton said during his visit to Alabama, coach Nick Saban showed him the team's depth chart at defensive back.

In the SEC championship game against Florida, the Crimson Tide had senior Javier Arenas at left cornerback and junior Kareem Jackson at right corner. Four of the team's top six defensive backs on the depth chart are upperclassmen.

"Their depth chart was my favorite. I can go there early and compete for a job right away," Fulton said

Fulton had his family at the game, including his father, who last week returned from a tour of duty with the Army in Afghanistan.

"I thank God to be able to see my son play again," his father said. "I'm really enjoying just seeing him on the field."

Fulton is ranked a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and the fourth-best defensive back in his class.